Chapter 398

When Nolan and Ryland got back to the villa, Fannie was pacing in the living room, looking super anxious.

The second she saw them, she rushed over, worry written all over her face. "Nolan, Ryland, where did you guys go just now?"

Nolan's face went dark as he thought about all the mess Fannie had caused.

Without saying a word, he walked straight upstairs,leaving her behind.

If she hadn't hidden that swimsuit, he could have found it sooner and cleared up all the confusion for Eleanor weeks ago.

Nolan knew Eleanor inside out.

She said she trusted him and acted like it didn't matter,but deep down, she cared about that evidence more than she would admit.

Ryland glanced at Fannie's pale, panicked face and felt a bit sorry for her.

He handed her the lab reports. "Here. We had the swimsuit tested. This is the proof. Seriously, Fannie, you almost messed everything up for your brother.

Fannie's hands shook as she took the papers.

Her eyes went wide when she saw the sedative clearly listed on the report.

She felt sick. How could she have been so blind?

One mistake had caused so much pain and misunderstanding.

Tears started rolling down her cheeks. "I... I'm so sorry.I didn't know it'd get this bad... I'm really sorry."

She looked up at Ryland, hope flickering in her eyes."Has Eleanor seen this yet? We have to show her!Once she sees the truth, she'll know Nolan didn't do anything wrong."

Ryland shook his head. "Not yet. You don't get it. The moment Nolan steps outside,the press will swarm him.This only clears the pool incident; it doesn't prove anything about the baby. We need more time."

Fannie's hope dimmed.

She bit her lip, frustration building.

If Nolan couldn't go, then she would.

She had been so naive before, used as a pawn, and ended up hurting Nolan and Eleanor. Now it was up to her to make things right.

Determined, she pulled out her phone and carefully took pictures of the report.

Then,without making a sound, she slipped out of the villa and got into a cab. heading straight for the Enigma store.

But Eleanor wasn't there.

Fannie clenched her teeth and grabbed another taxi,this time heading to the Hope House.

When she got to the gate, she spotted Eleanor sweeping leaves.

The afternoon sunlight fell softly on her, casting a warm,calming glow.

Taking a deep breath, Fannie walked up slowly."Eleanor."

Eleanor paused, her broom mid-air, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "What brings you here?"

In response, Fannie held up her phone, showing a clear photo of the report.

Her words tumbled out, shaky and tearful. "I... I'm so sorry, Eleanor. It's all my fault. I was so foolish to let Elora manipulate me. Please, forgive Nolan. This happened because of me."

Nolan's instincts had been spot-on.

The evidence stirred something subtle in Eleanor,something she barely realized herself.

But it was enough.

She exhaled softly and looked at Fannie, her expression calm but sincere. "Don't carry the blame,Fannie. Nolan and I... this isn't about one single mistake."

She pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Nolan's butler.

Then she glanced at Fannie, who looked like she might break down any second. "Stay inside for now.The butler will come and get you in a little while."

Fannie hung her head but followed, stepping quietly into the orphanage.

Moments later, a sound came from the entrance.

Eleanor assumed it was the butler, but it wasn't.

It was Nolan, wearing a mask and sunglasses. Despite his disguise, his tall figure and familiar presence were impossible to miss.

Eleanor spared him a brief glance, then returned her gaze to Fannie. "Go with your brother, she instructed.

Then she rose and walked toward Myah's office without a word.

Nolan's voice was rough when he finally spoke.′′Can we talk?"

Eleanor paused but didn't look back.

"Is it about the report?" she asked in a distant tone, as though the evidence itself was nothing personal."With that, you'll clear your name and protect your family's reputation."

Nolan opened his mouth, but no words came.

All that lingered in his mind were two simple,heavy words."Thank you."

He watched her retreating figure, every step carrying her further from him, until she slowly vanished from sight. His eyes burned, and his chest tightened with emotion.

After a long moment of silence, he finally spoke."Let's go."

Fannie pressed her lips together, too afraid to speak,and quietly followed him,dragging her feet to keep up.